Press Release from Shell Trinidad and Tobago

Shell Trinidad and Tobago has contributed $3.6 million (TT) in medical and relief supplies to Trinidad and Tobago, as part of our continued commitment to support the country efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus).

Through its global network, Shell teamed up with Atlantic LNG and sourced and purchased 10 ventilators which were donated to the Ministry of Health, a contribution that was widely appreciated by the Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh.

“The national response to COVID-19 presented the optimum opportunity for members of the private sector to partner with the Government to safeguard the health of the nation. I am very pleased that Shell Trinidad and Tobago Limited has made this tangible demonstration of their corporate social responsibility.

“The ten donated ventilators will significantly boost the capacity of our Intensive Care Units, both in Trinidad and in Tobago, during the heightened national response to COVID-19 and in the long term,” the Minister said.

Shell also distributed 1000 care packages of food supplies and cleaning items among more than 20 communities and assisted 10 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in disaster preparedness and planning, all as part of our national effort to help the country’s most vulnerable.

Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Trinidad and Tobago Eugene Okpere said the company’s focus was three-fold:

  • The health and safety of our staff and contractors

  • Ensuring we continue to deliver gas to the country

  • Supporting where we can in managing this pandemic. 

He added: “I take this opportunity to thank the Government for leading us during this crisis and the many frontline workers, including our own staff at our sites, who are working hard every day and serving the country during this time.”

To make sure help reached the communities most in need, the Shell Community Relations team began working with other company departments including Contracts & Procurement, Government Relations and the teams at Shell’s onshore and offshore site locations, along with external stakeholders – NGOs and community-based organisations (CBOs).

“In our discussions with various stakeholders, NGOs, CBOS and community residents, we realised that the most severely impacted by the global pandemic and the economic downturn have been those persons who were already vulnerable - the sick and elderly and those currently experiencing severe economic challenges. With the loss of jobs and restriction on movement, many persons have found it difficult to feed their families and/or access necessary daily supplies,” explained Nneka Mentore, ER Adviser, TT, English/Dutch Caribbean.

Shell contractor, Allied Catering Ltd./Katerserv Ltd. sourced the items for the packages and its employees packed and made deliveries throughout the country. Community representatives and STTL’s CLOs worked with the Allied team during the delivery process, to ensure that each care package arrived at its pre-agreed destination.

Moruga teacher and resident, Lisa Atwater, on her Facebook page thanked Shell for the contribution and said the company repeatedly “answered the call of the community in these ever-challenging times”.  Several other Moruga residents and from across the country have also expressed their deep appreciation for STTL’s timely support.